Arthakorn Signals Loyalty to Bhumjaithai, Downplays Coalition Talk

On September 8, after weeks of reports that the Pheu Chart party might join the government, Arthakorn Sirilattayakorn, MP for Chachoengsao and Pheu Chart spokesman and former tourism minister, was seen at the fourth floor of Parliament ahead of the cabinet meeting, where he met Tourism Minister Surasak Punthaejaarerngkul. Deputy PM secretary Paradorn Perisnananthakul then arrived, greeted him, and grabbed his arm. When reporters joked that he was supposed to come in November, Arthakorn replied, "My heart has been with Bade since day one." Reporters then teased Paradorn about whether he would drag Arthakorn into the cabinet room, and Paradorn answered, "Go ahead, let's take him in," and made a motion to pull him toward the cabinet room. When asked which ministry he wanted, Arthakorn waved his hand and said he came to meet the tourism minister and had already done so. When pressed on whether he was joining the government or just supporting Bhumjaithai, Arthakorn said it was a matter for senior leaders to discuss. He declined to say if talks had concluded, instead stating he currently serves as an opposition MP. When reporters asked if he was government opposition or principled opposition, he clarified he was principled opposition. When asked about prior conversations, Arthakorn said he talks with Paradorn constantly about parliamentary work and how to pass laws benefiting the people. Asked what Pheu Chart could help the government with, Arthakorn said they are ready to support anything that benefits the people.